Adrian Chiles quits BBC

'The One Show' host Adrian Chiles has quit the BBC and moved to ITV in a four-year deal which will see him present 'GMTV' and the network's World Cup football coverage this summer

Adrian Chiles has quit the BBC.

The TV presenter - who currently hosts 'The One Show' and 'Match of the Day 2' - has officially left the network and joined ITV in a four-year deal which will see him appear on their morning show 'GMTV' and cover the World Cup football tournament for them this summer.

He said: "The chance to front ITV's football coverage and 'GMTV' would have proved an irresistible opportunity at the best of times.

"But, coming as it did at an awkward period for me at the BBC, it made the decision to leave not quite as hard as it might have been."

This decision came shortly after BBC One controller Jay Hunt revealed plans to replace Adrian with Chris Evans on the Friday night shows - something the 43-year-old TV star was "disappointed" with.

Adrian explained: "I would have been happy to stay at the BBC doing the same shows on the same terms, especially 'The One Show', of which I am so proud having worked on it since the first pilots four years ago.

"It's no secret how disappointed I was by the controller's decision to change an apparently successful and well-loved show at this stage, but fully respect her right to do so and sincerely wish her and the brilliant 'One Show' team well with it.

"I've spent all my working life at the BBC, working with and learning from some of the best people in the business. I will miss all my friends and colleagues very much but can't wait to get started with new people on two major new challenges for me at ITV."

A BBC spokesman said: "We would like to thank Adrian for his contributions to his programmes and we wish him well for the future."

Adrian will lead ITV's coverage of the World Cup from June and will front commentary on the Champions League matches, England's home international and away friendly matches and the FA Cup from next season, which starts in August.

It is not yet known when Adrian will make his debut on 'GMTV' - which is currently facing a revamp - but staff at the show promise it will be later this year.

The official 'GMTV' twitter account wrote: "We are very happy to announce that Adrian Chiles is to join GMTV from later this year. More news on that to come soon."